Cartoon Network’s worldwide hit show – We Bare Bears and Cartoon Network Latin America’s and Copa Studio’s Jorel’s Brother (Original Brazilian Portuguese Title: Irmão do Jorel) have been selected to be screened and showcased at Annecy Animation Festival 2018. Both We Bare Bears and Jorel’s Brother will both take part in the TV films competition. The Annecy Animation Festival is considered to be one of the largest and influential animation industry events in the world, the festival is an opportunity for animation studios to promote their work, for broadcasters to buy new shows, for studios to seek new talent or for potential show creators to find inspiration. The festival is also one of the most important events on Cartoon Network’s yearly calendar, the festival is held every year in Annecy, France and this year, it will take place between 11th and 16th June.

The episode of We Bare Bears that will be shown at the festival is the Annie Award winning episode – “Panda’s Art”, in the episode Panda paints a portrait of Charlie for his art class and gives it to Charlie as a gift. But after an art dealer offers to buy the painting, Panda has to get it back from Charlie. The episode of Jorel’s Brother that will be shown at the festival will be “Special Eject” (Original Brazilian Portuguese Title: Eject Especial), in the episode, a giant birthday cake, a puppet and Japanese heroes invade Japan after being ejected from a VCR where they were recorded. Jorel’s brother needs to race against time to save Japan.

Best of luck to We Bare Bears creator – Daniel Chong and to his production team at Cartoon Network Studios and also to Jorel’s Brother creator Juliano Enrico, his team at Copa Studio and Cartoon Network Latin America.

Also, Adult Swim’s Robot Chicken is also in the “TV Films in Competition” category with their Walking Dead special – “Look Who’s Walking”, the episode is a parody of the hit horror show – The Walking Dead and is a collaboration between Robot Chicken creators Seth Green and Matthew Senreich and The Walking Dead creator/executive producer Robert Kirkman and showrunner/executive producer Scott M. Gimple. The Walking Dead’s original cast also voice act their roles in the special.

Today (08/03/2018), Cartoon Network USA has announced their animated content upfront for the 2018-2019 television season. This year’s programming slate will be Cartoon Network’s largest in its twenty-five year history, with new shows by a new wave of creators. Cartoon Network has been expanding its digital portfolio and has been adding more than 30 apps and games, also podcasts, VR (Virtual Reality) and AR (Augmented Reality) experiences.

Ever since the channel started developing original animated programming, Cartoon Network has always focused on its immersive storytelling and the tradition will continue with the brand new mystery adventure series – Infinity Train, created by Owen Dennis and Diego Molano’s Latin American supernatural comedy – Victor and Valentino. Infinity Train will premiere on Cartoon Network USA in 2019 and Victor and Valentino will premiere later this year.

Very recently, Cartoon Network USA has premiered a brand new show – Apple & Onion, created by The Amazing World of Gumball storyboard artist – George Gendi, also on 30th March, Cartoon Network will be premiering a brand new show created by Steven Universe show-writers Matt Burnett and Ben Levin – Craig of the Creek. Julia Pott’s Summer Camp Island will be making its debut on Cartoon Network USA this summer. The channel has recently premiered a brand new show from its sister company – Warner Bros. Animation called Unikitty! which is based on the beloved character from The Lego Movie.

Apple and Onion is a limited-run series and originated from Cartoon Network’s Global Artists Programme. The show follows the comedic adventures of the two titular characters, both become friends and adapt to big city living in a world populated by anthropomorphic food.

Craig of the Creek is set in a kid-led utopian society of untamed wilderness filled with adventure and imagination located near a neighbourhood. Craig, the show’s main character, and his two best friends – Kelsey and JP traverse and venture through this strange land of where tribes of children reign over tree forts and dirt bike ramps.

Victor and Valentino follows the adventures of two half-brothers of the same names who spend a summer with their grandma in Monte Macabre, a small and mysterious town, where the myths and legends of Latin American folklore come to life. The show is created by Powerpuff Girls storyboard artist and OK K.O.!: Let’s Be Heroes background artist – Diego Molano.

Infinity Train follows a precocious young girl named Tulip who finds herself on a train full of infinite worlds and tries to find her way home, the show will premiere in 2019 and is highly-anticipated by animation fans, the pilot episode was uploaded onto Cartoon Network USA’s YouTube channel in November 2016 and has had over three million views.

Summer Camp Island is about two best friends named Oscar and Hedgehog staying at a magical summer camp full of mystery and wonder. On Summer Camp Island, anything can happen and exist, it’s a place of witches and talking sharks and monsters hiding underneath beds and where objects are alive and can talk. The new show is created by British animation director – Julia Pott, known for her episode story-writing on Adventure Time.

In addition to brand new shows, new episodes of popular fan-favourites including Adventure Time, Ben 10, OK K.O.!: Let’s Be Heroes, Steven Universe, The Amazing World of Gumball, The Powerpuff Girls, Teen Titans Go!, Mighty Magiswords, Clarence and We Bare Bears will continue to premiere on the Cartoon Network USA television channel and the Cartoon Network app. New episodes of Adventure Time will air from Sunday 18th March and new episodes of Steven Universe will continue from Monday 9th April.

In terms of digital content, the Steven Universe Podcast will be returning this July for a third-volume of ten episodes and will continue analysing the various people and places in the show.

The Ben 10 Alien Experience augmented reality app will be updated this August and will also feature the Omni-Enhanced aliens from Ben 10 season two. The new update will feature new gameplay, levels and enemies. The app allows fans to become Ben 10 and transform into different aliens through the use of the mobile app’s Augmented Reality features.

There will also be an Adventure Time game based upon the Bloons Tower Defense franchise entitled – “Bloons Adventure Time TD”. In the game, Finn and Jake must do all they can to protect the Land of Ooo from the Bloon Hordes. Players can recruit their favourite Adventure Time characters including Princess Bubblegum, Marceline, Ice King and many more. The new free-to-play mobile game is expected to be released this August.

From The Turner USA Press Release: Cartoon Network Ushers In A New Wave Of Creators For Today’s Kids

Cartoon Network announced today its largest slate of content ever from a new wave of creators telling stories that are relevant and reflective of today’s kids. The network, which is seeing success in total consumption across its platforms, is also adding more than 30 new games and apps to its mobile and web portfolio that has over 200 million worldwide downloads and now includes a series of podcasts, VR and AR experiences.

Known for its immersive storytelling, Cartoon Network is introducing the next generation of creators with series including: Owen Dennis’ mysterious and magical adventure Infinity Train and Diego Molano’s Latin American supernatural comedy Victor and Valentino.

These new series will be joining the recent premiere of Apple & Onion from George Gendi; the upcoming debut of Craig of The Creek by Matt Burnett and Ben Levin; Julia Pott’s Summer Camp Island bowing this summer; and the recently premiered Unikitty!, the newest series produced by Warner Bros. Animation, and based on the beloved character from The LEGO® Movie.

“It has always been in our DNA to embrace kids for who they are and build relatable worlds, stories and characters for them,” said Christina Miller, president of Cartoon Network-Adult Swim-Boomerang. “This moment is especially exciting because this new wave of talent naturally brings depth and interactivity to their storytelling. It is a perfect match for our audience!”

“Cartoon Network continues to see growth in time spent on video and gaming platforms as kids are enjoying our content across a vast array of environments,” said Donna Speciale, president of Turner Ad Sales. “The best way for brands to reach and engage our fans is through a total audience approach that captures all of these relevant spaces.”

The 2018-2019 programming, mobile and gaming lineup includes:

NEW SERIES

Apple & Onion – Apple and Onion, the eponymous characters of Cartoon Network’s newest buddy comedy created by George Gendi, made their debut in a limited run last month. The show stems from Cartoon Network’s global Artists Program and introduces best friends Apple and Onion who have decided to leave their hometowns to experience big city living. New episodes air back-to-back every Friday through the end of March.

Craig of the Creek – Co-created by three-time Emmy-nominated Steven Universe writers Matt Burnett and Ben Levin, Craig of the Creek follows the precocious Craig as he leads his best friends J.P. and Kelsey on comical journeys at their neighborhood creek, transforming everyday afternoons into thrilling expeditions through imaginative play. An episode is available on the CN App and VOD now, with new episodes debuting linearly on Friday, March 30.

Infinity Train – With a groundswell of fan support of the original short created through the Artist Program, this mystery adventure created by Owen Dennis follows a precocious young girl named Tulip who finds herself on a train full of infinite worlds and tries to find her way home. Infinity Train will debut in 2019.

Summer Camp Island – In this wildly imaginative series based on an original Cartoon Network short created by Julia Pott, Summer Camp Island will unfold the mysteries that Oscar and his best friend Hedgehog encounter at a magical summer camp. Having completed a momentous festival run that included Sundance Film Festival, the highly anticipated series will premiere this summer.

Victor and Valentino – Created by Diego Molano, this supernatural adventure comedy follows two half-brothers who spend a summer with their grandma in Monte Macabre, a small and mysterious town, where the myths and legends of Latin American folklore come to life. Victor and Valentino can be seen later this year.

RETURNING SERIES

Adventure Time – Cartoon Network and Mojang expand their partnership with an original Minecraft episode expected to premiere this summer. In the special episode titled, “Diamonds and Lemons,” while Finn and his friends unite to dig for treasure and fight off enemies, they experience setbacks and creative triumphs in a fantastic new vision of Ooo. Four additional new episodes return back-to-back on Sunday, March 18. The series is created by Pendleton Ward and executive produced by Adam Muto.

Ben 10 – Greenlit for a third season, Ben, cousin Gwen and Grandpa Max are ready for action that will be loaded with epic transformations, never-before-seen aliens and foes, and with high-energy vehicles to kick hero-time into maximum overdrive. New episodes from the current season, including a half-hour special will introduce the newest alien trying to invade Ben’s world – Shock Rock, who is looking to conquer the world and drain the planet of energy and resources. Ben 10 is produced by Cartoon Network Studios and created and executive produced by Man of Action Entertainment.

OK K.O.! Let’s Be Heroes – With a console video game and a season two greenlight in hand, K.O. is leveling up with new adventures, threats and villains on the horizon. Surprise heroes will also make their debut alongside some familiar faces in special crossover episodes that will power up the action, laughter and comedy to the next level. The series is created by Ian Jones-Quartey.

Steven Universe – Created by Rebecca Sugar, the three-time Emmy-nominated and two-time GLAAD-nominated series returns this year with three all-new, action-packed story arcs. The stakes are higher than ever before for Steven and the Crystal Gems as they must face internal and external battles unlike any they have ever encountered. The first arc premieres this April.

The Amazing World of Gumball – Season six of this BAFTA and Emmy Award-winning series from Cartoon Network Studios EMEA conjures up a new Halloween special, as well as an episode filled with music and dance. The season will continue the warm-hearted adventures with the energetic and fearless blue cat—Gumball—and his idiosyncratic family, the Wattersons.

The Powerpuff Girls – As the original harbingers of girl power, the iconic brand has been an inspiration to generations of girls and young women since its initial launch in November 1998. Twenty years later, the anniversary celebration begins with a global rollout of new episodes, events and products that will continue into 2019. Fourth sister Bliss will also return later this year in a new episode.

Teen Titans Go! – Robin, Starfire, Raven, Beast Boy and Cyborg may be heading to the movies for their big theatrical debut on July 27, but they will also be back for all-new episodes on Cartoon Network. Produced by Warner Bros. Animation, season five of the Emmy-nominated superhero comedy is expected to premiere this June.

Unikitty! – Produced by Warner Bros. Animation and based on the beloved character from The LEGO® Movie, this sparkle-filled series will continue to debut new episodes on Cartoon Network.

We Bare Bears – Greenlit for a fourth season, the BAFTA and Annie Award-winning series created by Daniel Chong returns for ambitious adventures and more adorable baby bears. Set to debut later this year, the three bear brothers will have their funniest escapes yet in all-new episodes that will include holiday specials, a half-hour Halloween episode full of scary stories and a wedding where the bears come to the rescue as the best man.

New episodes of additional Cartoon Network favorites Mighty Magiswords and Clarence will also roll out through the year.

DIGITAL EXPERIENCES

Cartoon Network will offer fans digital experiences across mobile, web and streaming platforms to engage with the worlds of Adventure Time, Ben 10, OK K.O.! Let’s Be Heroes, Steven Universe, and We Bare Bears, among other properties to be announced.

Bloons Adventure Time TD – Developed by Ninja Kiwi and based on their megahit Bloons Tower Defense franchise, Bloons Adventure Time TD features the Bloon hordes invading the Land of Ooo! Finn and Jake will need all the help they can get to stop them. Players can recruit their favorite Adventure Time characters including Princess Bubblegum, Marceline, Ice King and more, as well as the monkeys from the Bloons TD franchise as they travel from kingdom to kingdom to send the Bloons packing. The free-to-play game will be available this summer.

Ben 10 Alien Experience – Featuring the Omni-Enhanced Aliens of Ben 10 season two and synergizing with the new Playmates Toys Action Figures, this updated and enhanced augmented reality game will feature new gameplay, levels and enemies allowing fans to become Ben 10 in their own environment. Players can also use the camera feature to transform themselves into even more Aliens than before and save their own Omni-Enhanced photos and videos. Ben 10 Alien Experience is a free, ad-supported game and expected to be updated on all mobile platforms in August.

The Steven Universe Podcast – With 10 new episodes launching as part of the third volume available this July, The Steven Universe Podcast will continue with an in-depth exploration of the people and places that make up the Steven Universe world. Each episode will include a close-up, behind-the-scenes look at characters and surroundings featured in the beloved animated series.

We Bare Bears Plush Seal Toy Now Available

Cartoon Network Enterprises has released a plush toy based on the seal from the We Bare Bears episode – “Bear Cleanse”, in the episode, Grizz, Panda and Ice Bear switch back to their natural diets to help improve their health. A Polar Bear’s natural diet mostly includes seals, but Ice Bear finds it to be such an emotional struggle to eat one because the seal he needs to eat is too cute.

The seal is also known as “Rupert The Seal”, the second presenter of Cartoon Network USA’s ongoing weekly news series on YouTube – Cartoon Network This Week.

According to the price list, the prices are in THB (Thai Baht, the currency of Thailand), there’s no info of whether the seal plush toy will be sold outside Thailand or the Asia-Pacific region.

A few weeks ago, Daniel Chong made a trip over to South Korea, while in the country, he checked out all of the We Bare Bears merchandise, which includes clothing, stationary, toys, suitcases and even healthcare products. Daniel also visited Cartoon Network South Korea’s headquarters and even made a personal appearance on the television channel.